Each day, A Wider Circle provides basic need items to families transitioning out of shelters or simply living without life’s necessities. They furnish the homes of more than 1,000 children and adults every single month, all free of charge. They also go into low-income schools and shelters to lead educational workshops on topics ranging from healthy self-esteem and stress management to resume writing and financial planning. They go where the needs are greatest and do what is most needed. www.awidercircle.org.

Life 4 Animals is an upscale thrift store based in Gaithersburg, MD, which raises much needed funds to help the animals of Montgomery County and the Washington Animal Rescue League. **Read abouthow TAD Relocation’s support helped local no-kill shelters in 2010.www.life4animals.org.

As an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, Habitat for Humanity of Montgomery County, MD sees to reduce substandard housing by providing a hand-up rather than a handout to help families realize the dream of homeownership. Working in partnership with families, Habitat for Humanity of Montgomery County, MD (HFH-MC) volunteers build affordable housing in Montgomery County, Maryland. www.habitat.montgomery.md.us

Blind Industries and Services of Maryland (BISM) is a unique not-for-profit organization whose purpose is to positively change people’s attitudes about blindness. BISM does this by offering comprehensive rehabilitation programs, diverse employment opportunities, and services for blind and low vision people of all ages. http://bism.org/

* Contributions to Wish of a Lifetime will be used for this specific wish but in the event that unforeseen problems prevent carrying out a planned wish or more funds are received than are necessary to fund the wish, the contributions for that wish will be used to benefit other senior wishes.